Moules Farcies
Stuffed Mussels
Elegant French stuffed mussels, where plump mussels are filled with a fragrant garlic-herb butter and breadcrumb mixture, then baked until golden and bubbling. A sophisticated appetizer reminiscent of escargots.
🧂 Ingredients
- 36 Large mussels
- 200 g Unsalted butter
- 6 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley
- 1 Shallot
- 60 g Panko breadcrumbs(Panko provides a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.)
- 100 ml Dry white wine(Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest(Adds a bright, fresh note to the butter.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mussels: Steam the scrubbed and debearded mussels in a large pot with the white wine over medium-high heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they just begin to open. Discard any mussels that remain tightly closed. Carefully remove the top shell from each opened mussel, leaving the mussel attached to the bottom shell. Arrange the cleaned mussel shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the compound butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, minced shallot, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and a fragrant paste forms.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Stuff the mussels: Generously spoon about a teaspoon of the compound butter mixture onto each mussel. Ensure each mussel is well-covered. Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the buttered mussels, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Gratiné and serve: Preheat your broiler to high. Place the baking sheet with the stuffed mussels under the broiler, about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the butter is melted and bubbling, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the broiler immediately.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for easier spreading.
- ✓Don't overcook the mussels during the initial steaming; they will cook further under the broiler.
- ✓Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- ✓This dish is often compared to escargots, offering a delightful seafood alternative.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a pesto variation, add 2 tablespoons of prepared pesto to the butter mixture.
- For a richer flavor, stir in 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese into the butter mixture before stuffing.